Chapter 45: On The Run

"If that's the case, hold these earphones. This is more flexible than a cell phone." I gave Damian's gift earphones to Mary before we left. Mary and Anne held my hands tightly as a sign of our farewell.

My tears streamed down my face as Damian led me out of Dylan's house, while I had to watch Anne and Mary being left behind.

I hope they can both protect each other, I hope they are both not blamed for my departure, and I hope they are both strong enough to survive and wait for me to pick them up for a better life.

Damian and I made it safely into the car. Damian sped away in his car, leaving Dylan's yard. "Are you okay?" Damian asked carefully.

"My feelings are a little jumbled. I was worried about Mary and Anne, but I wanted to run, and Dylan's house had made such an impression that it was hard for me to leave." Damian nodded his head as if he understood what I was feeling. He offered me a tissue to wipe my tears, even though your face was already a mess with dried tear tracks.

"You weren't born by your parents to be tortured in your husband's luxurious home. If you must feel sorry for someone, feel sorry for yourself. You deserve a good life, not one wasted and used as a tool like Dylan did to you." Damian said. That's right; if I want to be respected, I must first learn to respect myself. Likewise, if I want to be loved, I must first love myself.

Being with Dylan is a bad memory. Dylan, I love him so much, but I need to learn to love myself right now. You need to understand the difference between good and evil, and you deserve to be punished. I release you from this moment on; you are no longer my husband.

With full awareness, I will bury all my feelings; I will let go of everything, because at least you must be dragged to court, but if justice is truly so blunt, then I will sharpen my knife to kill you as I promised the first time.

"¡That's right, Damian. Take me away; remind me of my purpose. Living with Dylan is making me lose my way, and his violence every day could slowly drive me insane," I said to Damian.

"I won't take you to your parents' house, nor will I take you to my apartment. I'll take you somewhere Dylan can't track you," Damian declared with determination. It seems Damian has also prepared all of that because Damian's car is now turning toward a dark road.

That dark road is taking us into the forest. There was only one light from Damian's car illuminating the street. Until we stopped in front of a house with such vast land.

"Whose house is this, Damian? I didn't expect there to be a house in the middle of the forest, and it's quite modern too," I said as we got out of the car.

"This house was a gift from my father. We often vacation here to clear our minds. And actually, we're not alone. If you walk a little over there, you'll find a settlement and some houses similar to this one. Anyway, it won't be too lonely." Damian smiled to reassure me. He then invited me to enter the house.

This house with white-painted walls filled with various types of flowers and a fireplace looks very cozy. It seems all the flowers were picked from the home's yard and kept fresh, being replaced whenever they looked almost wilted.

As soon as I walked in, I felt like I would be comfortable staying here, even though the house wasn't very spacious. However, all the furniture, architecture, potted flowers, books on the shelves, the burning fireplace, and a delicious hot chocolate made me feel at home. This is a suitable place to relax, a suitable place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the crowds of residents, and air pollution.

"It's so beautiful, Damian. I like this house." Damian smiled at me, as if he was also happy that I felt good about this house.

"Ah, let me introduce you; that's Aunt Lucy. We hired her to take care of this house. Aunt Lucy approached me and greeted me warmly." That slightly plump woman still looked beautiful, even though I guessed her age was around fifty.

"Is this Damian's wife? That sudden question made Damian clear his throat, then shake his head and say that we were just friends.

Aunt Lucy looked guilty about her suspicion. He also apologized to me, even though it was a small mistake that anyone could have made, especially since I was coming with my big belly and Damian was by my side. I already suspected someone would think we were a couple.

"We will stay here for a while. When I leave, please keep Mrs. Daniella company while I'm away. Her pregnancy condition looks weak; she needs someone to constantly monitor her condition," Damian said.

"With pleasure, sir. I've helped deliver my children, and I'm used to taking care of them. I'm happy if I can help." I'm grateful that another good person I met is Aunt Lucy. I'd be very grateful if Aunt Lucy would be willing to help.

"Now please prepare two rooms for us to rest, and we'd be happy if Auntie didn't go home and stayed with us here." Damian offered Aunt Lucy to stay with him. It seems Damian is quite awkward if it's just the two of us there.

"I want to come with you, but my grandson will be home alone if I'm here. Maybe I could bring him, but he wouldn't be able to sleep if he was at someone else's house." Unfortunately, Aunt Lucy couldn't stay with us.

"But don't worry, sir, I'll come visit you as often as possible." Aunt Lucy smiled sweetly. From her words to her smile, I could tell Aunt Lucy was a sincere, kind, and unpretentious woman. It seems like I can trust her.

At that time, I was sitting on the sofa waiting for Aunt Lucy to prepare the room. We didn't talk about much except for my baby's health and a few tips from Damian.But suddenly Damian gasped, "It seems someone is trying to contact me." Damian took out his earphones, gave one to me, and wore the other himself.

"I'M ASKING YOU AGAIN, WHERE IS DANIELLA?" That was Dylan's voice, loud from the earphones. Damian suspected Mary intentionally connected the earphones to provide information after Daniella left the house.

"We don't know, sir. We swear we don't know." Anne's voice sounded shaky. I glanced at Damian, terrified they would be hurt.

"ANSWER TRUTHFULLY!" And the sound of a whip was heard.

"MARY!"